Youth Football, Our First Practice of 2008
This Monday was our first football practice of our young season. The temps were in the high 90s and the humidity was over 80, so it was pretty miserable. As many of you know, I am head coaching 3 teams this year an age 7-9 team, an age 10-11 team and an age 12-13 team. My preference is to coach just 1 team but there was a petition, pressure etc, so I caved. But I did put my foot down and have a transition/training plan in place so I can get back to just 1 team next year.
What did we do?
Of course we always start off with a 30 minute mandatory parent/player/coaches meeting. We set our expectations of the season and review our coaches, parent and player contracts that spell out our expectations and requirements. We leave little to chance in regards to our mission, attendance, playing time, positions (what’s best for the team), sportsmanship expectations, communication process, effort, discipline and attitude to name just a few. As has been the custom for the last 8 seasons I gave all parents the option of getting their money back and moving on to another team if they felt this was not going to be a good fit as our mission, goals and methods are not up for negotiation and will not change.
The remaining 90 minutes of practice went better than expected. We have about 40% new rookie first time players this year as we added another team. The veteran players have up to 4 years with us and are excellent copy models for the rookie players.
In order to leverage the talent pool of our coaches we do some drills as an entire group regardless of age and others we are split into teams. All of our coaches have attended clinics put on by me and many have the book. Of course we got the kids off on the right foot with our “ready focus” communication rule/process. The kids were great, even the real young kids were attentive after we reviewed it and let them know why and the repercussions for not adhering to the standard, We did dynamic warm ups as an entire group. As is the norm during our dynamic warm ups, we taught the stance progression and our cadence and first play, “no play” within the first 5 minutes of the first practice.
This segment lasted about 10 minutes, we will have it down to about 5 minutes by the beginning of nest week, The dynamic muscle activation movements included jumping jacks, high knees out of a stance and on cadence, butt kickers out of stance and on cadence, lunges and then a group yell/break.
We followed the first day practice plan right out of my book on page 88 and did Angle Form tackling in groups of 6 as well as the snap progression drill detailed here on the blog. We were able to use several of the fun games/drills we use to evaluate players including Deer Hunter, Towel Game and Sumo. All the coaches had their little note pads out to write down who was finishing where in these games. All the while the kids were having a blast even in the extreme heat. We stayed in the shade and had plenty of water breaks.
We reviewed the back numbering system and hole numbering system with the group during the water breaks to conserve time. We will practice again on Tuesday and then will be in pads on Thursday. Stay tuned to see where we are at.
We had lots of smiling faces not only from our players, but from our parents as well. I had two fathers of 2 players that played on a different team than ours last year. They couldn’t get over how much different and fun our practice was versus what they had experienced the previous year, Both said they could see what we were trying to do “under the covers” and really liked our progression teaching approach.
Hope your seasons are going as well.
2008 Indianapolis Colts Draft Report
This year the Colts chose the following players to join the dominant NFL team: center Mike Pollak from Arizona, linebacker Phililp Wheeler from Georgia, tight end Jacon Tamme from Kentucky, linebacker Marcus Howard from Georgia, tight end Tom Santi of Virginia, center Steve Justice of Wake Forest, running back Mike Hart, wide receiver Pierre Garcon from Mount Union and center Jamey Richard of Buffalo. How did these draft picks go over with NFL fans?
Mike Pollak has been seen as a productive choice as a center guard, a necessity because of the shortage of starting guards and one that could fit in admirably with the rest of the Colts team. Philip Wheeler was well reviewed, as he is predicted to perform well in zone playing given his agility. On the other hand, he has been questioned for his abilities in one-on-one coverage. Marcus Howard may be smaller than the average linebacker but he has received rave reviews for his game play and experience. Tom Santi received mixed reviews, as he obviously has the size for success but may be limited to blocking or goal line situations. Some question why he was chosen, while others remain confident that he filled an important position.
Steven Justice received generally high marks and without great risk. Operating a low profile at first, he will be groomed for success and eventually fit into the Colts for the long term. Mike Hart was responsible for some impressive feats in college, though he is relatively small in comparison to other players and not lightning fast. He remains untested at a college level for catching and blocking, so it remains to be seen how he will respond to hard interaction as a center. Pierre Garcon also divides fans as his offense remains untested, and his height is below average. However, at the amateur level he managed over 60 catches, 1000 yards and 15 touchdowns. That leaves Jamey Richard as the last pick, a top talent at the University at Buffalo, weighing in at 300 pounds, standing 6′4. He could be a welcomed center.
Will these draft picks help to bring the Colts back to Super Bowl victory? Critics pointed to the team’s defensive problems as well as the need for a stronger cornerback team. However, the draft picks of 2008 have many buzzing about the Colts’ chances this season, not to mention consistently great performances by returning players like Anthony Gonzalez and Peyton Manning. The Indianapolis Colts are still a favorite to win the Super Bowl in the early rankings, so don’t bet against them!
Download Bleach, Volume 8: The Entry Online
 |
Download Bleach, Volume 8: The Entry Online.
Movie Title: Bleach, Volume 8: The Entry Bleach, Volume 8: The Entry is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Bleach, Volume 8: The Entry |
When we first saw tattooed, flame-haired Renji Abarai, he seemed like a cocky villainous character, who was inexplicably irritated with Rukia’s defection.
Buy,Download, Or Stream Bleach, Volume 8: The Entry! Click Here
Well, we get to see some new sides of Renji in the eighth volume of “Bleach.” When Our Heroes aren’t causing random mayhem through the Seireitei, Renji takes center stage in a pitched battle with Ichigo — and we get to see the lives that shaped him and Rukia into what they are.
As Uryu finishes off a very dishonorable soul reaper, Ichigo and Ganju decide to save themselves by taking a hostage — Hanataro Yamada. Unfortunately, the Soul Reapers following them don’t care much about Hanataro because he’s from another squad. But when he learns that Ichigo intends to rescue Rukia, the timid Hanataro agrees to help them.
Buy,Download, Or Stream Bleach, Volume 8: The Entry! Click Here
But as they approach Rukia’s cell, Ichigo is confronted by Renji Abarai. Horrified by Rukia’s death sentence, Renji is determined to kill Ichigo, believing that this will somehow fix things. But Ichigo has gotten even stronger than before, and as he fights Renji, he recalls the horrific training he underwent with Urahara.
Severely wounded, Renji begins to remember his own past. He grew up a young street rat on the Soul Society, with Rukia and a little gang. After the death of their friends, he and Rukia enrolled in the Soul Reaper academy — and for Rukia’s good, Renji distanced himself from her, and did not protest when she was adopted by Byakuya Kuchiki…
“Bleach Volume 8″ doesn’t really move us much closer to the little living gang’s goal. But it DOES give us some new and likable characters, and expands a little on our information about the Soul Society, and the people who live there. Let’s just say, the afterlife isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. It has slums, poverty, starvation — and apparently death.
But the action scenes are pretty brilliant, whether they’re the goofier chases of Ichigo and Ganju, or the tight, bloody battle with Renji. Lots of jagged shots and sweeping swords, and a chance for Ichigo to show off his new fighting skills — and finally learn how to focus and not just whap his zanpakuto around like a big butter knife.
Though we get to see Ichigo’s new skills, the spotlight is really on two Soul Reapers here. We get to see Renji’s early years as a street urchin, stealing food to survive, and the bitter losses that led this “stray dog” to excel. By the end of this last episode, you really feel for him. And then there’s Hanataro, a timid little Soul Reaper whose innocent eagerness puts him on Rukia’s side.
The eighth volume of “Bleach” has our heroes continuing toward their goal — and reveals some new sides of Renji Abarai. A solid contination — but things are about to get ugly.
I’m biased because I just love Bleach.
I can’t wait until the later episodes come out in US format.
Download Ceres, Celestial Legend – Past Unfound Online
 |
Download Ceres, Celestial Legend – Past Unfound Online.
Movie Title: Ceres, Celestial Legend – Past Unfound Ceres, Celestial Legend – Past Unfound is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Ceres, Celestial Legend – Past Unfound |
In the 4th episode (Stolen Hagoromo)
A mysterious metamorphosis has befallen Aya. The being that now stands before them is a girl who has a totally different personality and appearance. Calling herself Ceres, she’s determined to extinguish the lives of all the members of the Mikage clan with her incredible powers. Can Yuuhi bring Aya back from over the edge?
In the 5th episode (Tooya’s Destiny)
Tooya manages to save Aki from a group of thugs and instructs him to return to the Mikage residence, but Aki refuses, disgusted by his own grandfather who would hunt down his own grandchild. Understanding Aki’s feelings, Tooya brings Aki to the Aogiri residence instead, where he is joyfully reunited with Aya. One night, however, as Aya and Aki are sleeping in the same room, Ceres takes over and tries to murder Aki!
In the 6th episode(C Project)
In order to learn more about Tooya and the plor of Mikage, Aya, accompanied Yuuhi, decides to tail Tooya. As she enters the building, however, Yuuhi finds himself locked out, with Aya being trapped inside! As Aya explores the building’s interior, Kaga confronts her. It seems that he wants to summon Ceres no matter what the cost!
Well, I don’t usually do these, but the previous review is a bit off, and I figured it may need some correcting…
Ayashi no Ceres is a wonderful series. If you’ve noticed the Roman name of Demeter is used to name the Tennyo(which can be translated as heavenly maiden, the subtitling calls her an angel), I can’t recall whether it plays an extremely important part, but the legend is actually a true legend in Japan, I believe… In which Ceres’ Hagaromo(robe) is kept from her by the fisherman who is later called Shiso, I believe…which is something akin to “ancestor”… Anyway, I don’t want to give it away…there are huuuge surpises in the end, and throughout the series you can expect to be completely confused and lossed if you don’t pay close attention.
However, I don’t really suggest seeing this just because you like Fushigi Yuugi. While the men are designed similiarly, and have the staple of Watase-sensei’s brillian art, the plot is a lot more violent, sexual, and controversial…If you are extremely disturbed by insestuous references, and attempted stuff like that, do not see this.
It’s also considerably more violent, and from what I saw on the first DVD, doesn’t do the shoujo barbie doll nudity thing. There’s also sex and the like…soooo, watch with discretion.
If you DO enjoy those things, then by all means, WATCH this anime! It has gorgeous animation, beautiful bishounens, riveting story lines, fast action, romance, heartbreaking scenes, and CHOPSTICKS! YES! Any man who fights with chopsticks is for ME! And if you reeeally like my Su-chan from FY, than watch this! Because Yuuhi with his headband on looks like grown up Suboshi! ::coos:: So gorgeous! And Touya, and Aki, and Wei, andandand Okay….just GO SEE! ::falls over::
Download Wonder Pets – Save the Wonder Pets Online
 |
Download Wonder Pets – Save the Wonder Pets Online.
Movie Title: Wonder Pets – Save the Wonder Pets Wonder Pets – Save the Wonder Pets is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Wonder Pets – Save the Wonder Pets |
Not familiar with the Wonder Pets? You’re in for a treat. Presented as operettas, these 12-minute Nick Jr. cartoons for infants and toddlers are produced with a live orchestra and feature characters who sing all of their dialogue opera-style. Toss in a surreal cut-and-paste animation style — think “South Park” done with photos and realistic backgrounds — and an occasional tinge of attitude and you’ve got a program that’s appealing for parents as well as their kids. Before branching out on his own, creator Josh Selig was a long-time writer for “Sesame Street.”
Buy,Download, Or Stream Wonder Pets – Save the Wonder Pets! Click Here
The stories are good, too. Focused on teaching the value of teamwork, they chronicle the adventures of three pets at a preschool — Linny the Guinea Pig, Ming-Ming Duckling and Turtle Tuck. After the kids go home, these secret super heroes ditch their cages and soar off in a makeshift flying sailboat (the Fly Boat), traveling the globe to rescue baby animals. Along the way they learn interesting science facts. Besides the show’s obvious educational value, each of the characters has his or her own intrinsic appeal. Like many toddlers, Tuck loves to give hugs and Ming-Ming pronounces the “R” sound as a “W.” Linny, meanwhile, is the oldest (she’s 5), the most educated and a food connoisseur. Her catch phrase? “This calls for some celery!”
Debuting in 2006, the show is now the top-rated program on Nick Jr., surpassing long-time ratings champ “Dora the Explorer.”
Buy,Download, Or Stream Wonder Pets – Save the Wonder Pets! Click Here
This DVD contains seven “Wonder Pets” stories, about an hour and a half of material. Six are standard episodes of the television program, grouped in sets of two. There’s “Save the Caterpillar” teamed with “Save the Crane,” “Save the Crocodile” with “Save the Hedgehog,” and “Save the Kangaroo” with “Save the Sea Lions.” The best of these shorts is “Save the Crane,” which takes the Pets into a Japanese Sumi-e painting (simple black strokes on white paper) that’s hanging on the preschool wall.
The seventh story is “Save the Wonder Pets,” a double-length episode that aired as a Nick special on April 23. This story, though presented gently, is especially dramatic. When our heros try to rescue a baby blowfish, they soon find themselves, “Finding Nemo” like, in the belly of a whale. As the blowfish, a sea horse and a squid pitch in, the Pets’ attempts to get the whale to open its mouth include making it a seaweed salad, singing it a lullaby and tickling it. The last one works, and shoots our heroes out of the blowhole to freedom.
As for bonus features, there’s not much. Just a four-screen slideshow that introduces each character and their Fly Boat. But it really doesn’t matter. The shows themselves are easily worth the money.
I tell every parent I know about the Wonder Pets!! My husband and I even find ourselves quoting little Ming Ming. This show is absolutely adorable and educational!! It is fun for kids and parents….I would give it more than 5 stars if possible:)
Stream Carousel Online
 |
Stream Carousel Online.
Movie Title: Carousel Carousel is available for streaming or downloading. |
This brand-new 50th Anniversary edition of CAROUSEL is definitely a must for all fans of the uplifting and inspiring Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Considered by Rodgers as the personal favourite of all his works, and based on the play “Liliom” by Ferenc Molnar; the story concerns innocent factory-girl Julie Jordan (Shirley Jones) and jaded carnival barker Billy Bigelow (Gordon MacRae). Despite coming from the opposite sides of the track, the two fall in love, but their relationship is tempered by Billy’s violent outbursts and inability to find an honest job. When Julie becomes pregnant, he is talked into committing a robbery, but the plan backfires when he falls on his own knife and dies while trying to escape the police. Now in Heaven, Billy is given one last chance to redeem himself and to reconcile his now-teenaged daughter. Filled with haunting songs like “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, CAROUSEL remains a very moving film experience.
Buy,Download, Or Stream Carousel! Click Here
This DVD has been available for a while in the UK and Australia, and will finally get a US release this November. Extra features will include audio commentary from Shirley Jones and Nick Redman; an all-new featurette “Turns on the Carousel”, vintage performances from the “General Foods” Rodgers & Hammerstein TV tribute (original Broadway leads John Raitt and Jan Clayton performing the complete Bench Scene/”If I Loved You”). Also included are several rare MovieTone news segments, and the deleted numbers “Blow High Blow Low” and “You’re a Queer One, Julie Jordan”.
In an age where a science fiction thriller can approach 3 hours, it’s interesting that back in 1956 20th Century Fox decided that a movie running two and one half hours was long enough for a musical. So what did they do? Oh, just merely edit out two movie sequences containing the songs “You’re a Queer One, Julie Jordan” and “Blow High, Blow Low”. Hello? And how long was the classic 1939 “Gone With the Wind”? Over three hours? What a pity, because Rodgers & Hammerstein’s wonderful “Carousel” (their personal favorite musical) deserved to be seen complete, no matter how long it may have been!! The deleted scenes added to the story and the songs were great. Luckily the two deleted songs can be heard on the VERY COMPLETE movie CD soundtrack (see my review of it). Since so many DVDs these days are coming out with Director’s Cut versions of more recent movies, perhaps “Carousel” may one day be re-released in it’s glorious entirety, that is unless the Hollywood morons of 1956 threw away the deleted film!! For the time being, let’s be thankful for the “Carousel” of which I’m writing. Highly Recommended.
UPDATE:
Buy,Download, Or Stream Carousel! Click Here
On the recently reissued 2-CD set of “Carousel” is the 1934 french film “Liliom”, in which “Carousel” is based upon. While an interesting bonus feature, it’s ruined by subtitles that are flashed so quickly that they require speed reading skills. At other times there are extended moments in the film where subtitles don’t even appear. A very erratic presentation, to say the least.
Download Barbarians at the Gate Online
 |
Download Barbarians at the Gate Online.
Movie Title: Barbarians at the Gate Barbarians at the Gate is available for streaming or downloading. |
This especially witty satire is one of the best movies about modern corporate attitudes ever made. It’s based on the true story of the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco in the 1980s. While the filmmakers have naturally taken some artistic license, I think they capture the spirit of the event. In big business, they assert, given the choice between being greedy and doing the right thing, being greedy usually wins. This was especially true in this case because the bidding war that broke out drove the purchase price into the stratosphere. The company’s stock, which had been trading in the $40 range was driven up to over $100. A whole lot of rich people got a whole lot richer.
There are many things to enjoy about “Barbarians at the Gate”, not the least of which is James Garner as F. Ross Johnson, the man who ran RJR. He is completely believable as a natural born salesman who rose to run one of the world’s biggest corporations. His greed may be a turnoff, but his zest for living is infectious and charming. You can’t help liking the guy. His nemesis in this high stakes game in the financier, Henry Kravis, played by Jonathon Pryce. It’s a deliciously villainous role, and Pryce makes the most of it. Also of note is the great character actor Peter Riegert as Peter Cohen, Johnson’s right-hand man in the deal.
I especially liked the movie’s tone. It looks upon the goings on with an eye as jaundiced as the players themselves. It views them as overgrown boys fighting over a very big toy, but it does so with an amused, almost affection, flavor. The result is an enormously entertaining and very funny movie.
Who knew you could make a comedy about a Leveraged Buyout (LBO)? James Garner, in a brilliant performance, plays F. Ross Johnson, the CEO of RJR Nabisco who wants to buy out the company. He learns about LBOs from the cool slick Henry Kravis, the then-master of the buyout (played by Jonathan Pryce). When Ross takes Kravis’ advice and goes out on his own, Henry gets MAD and fires his own salvo. This was a time when people threw figures like “$25 billion” around and thought nothing of it. The technicals of the deal are explained with enough detail that non-financiers can easily follow what’s going on. Nice satirical touches like Ross’ wife’s manicurist explaining the art of the deal to her. A lot of cussing; after all, this was the ultimate boys’ game. Fine fun movie. END
Stream I am Sam Online
 |
Stream I am Sam Online.
Movie Title: I am Sam I am Sam is available for streaming or downloading. |
From the first moment I AM SAM began, I realized I was in for a rare movie treat. As part of a movie class I was fortunate to recently preview I AM SAM and find now, several weeks later that I am still as enthusiastic about this film as I was when I first saw it.
Sean Penn, and I cannot say enough about his performance, plays Sam, a mentally challenged adult with the mental capacity of a 7 year old. We first see him working at Starbucks while he puts out sugar packets in an obsessive manner, calling out orders over and over and endearing himself to customers in his charming Sam manner. Suddenly, Sam is called away and we watch him enter a hospital and witness the birth of his daughter. Elated and awestruck, Sam names the baby girl Lucy, after the Beatle song Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. Unfortunately Lucy’s mother isn’t intersted in either Sam or Lucy and as they leave the hospital, with Lucy in Sam’s arms, simply runs away from them. Ill prepared and ill equipped to raise a child, Sam somehow managaes to bring up Lucy with the help of a kindly and eccentric neighbor played to perfection by Dianne Weist. As the years go by, we see glimpses of Lucy growing up as she plays with Sam, as they read Green Eggs and Ham together before bedtime, as Sam buys shoes with Lucy aided by his friends who are also mentally challenged and finally when Lucy begins school. And while I know realistically that Sam being capable of raising Lucy mostly on his own till she reaches grade school might be unlikely, Sean Penn as Sam is so loving and good with Lucy, that I truly wanted to believe this could happen.
While it isn’t firmly established how Sam and Lucy manage to evade child welfare agencies all of this time, eventually these beauracratic agencies do become aware of Lucy’s situation and challenge Sam’s ability to care for her. Sam now must fight for Lucy as he never has had to do before. Confused and heartbroken, Sam initially finds a high powered lawyer played by Michelle Pfeiffer. But she wants no part of the case. Beset by a career which takes over her life, Michelle Pfeiffer’s character has a sullen young son at home and little to say to her husband. Eventually, though, she does take the case, is almost shamed into it by other lawyers in her firm. But in a remarkable twist of fate and and while helping Sam, she learns a great deal from him about parenting and unconditional love. What happens to Sam and Lucy as they are separated and the case is argued in court are memorable scenes filled with tremendous poignancy and deep emotions. For after all, who is truly fit to be a parent. Is love enough? Who does make a good parent? And most of all, what is in the best interest of Sam’s daughter, Lucy
As an addition and complementing the tremendous perfomances of Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer,Dianne Weist and Laura Dern Lucy played by Dakota Fanning, the movie inclues as background music many of the songs of the Beatles. And at various times the screenplay includes relevant lines and quotes which are fitting to the scenes. It was particualrly eerie watching this movie a few days after the death of George Harrison to hear Sam talk about the success of Harrison’s song, “Here Comes the Sun,” from the Abbey Road album. But what an appropriate comment I thought as the sun shined down on both Lucy and Sam as Sam ran around the soccer field with Lucy in his arms.
I cannot praise this movie enough. While at times one couldn’t help but think of the movies Rainman and Kramer vs. Kramer, I AM SAM stands on its own as being a truly wonderful movie. I fully expect that Sean Penn will be nominated for many awards for his magnificent performance. I certainly hope he is acknowledged for this, a performance of a lifetime. If not I am confident that viewers like myself will never forget Sean Penn as Sam or this finely drawn character.
I Am Sam DVD
Buy,Download, Or Stream I am Sam! Click Here
I Am Sam stars Sean Penn as a mentally challenged young man seeking custody of his daughter when it is obvious that he is not mentally capable of being a custodial parent. He bases his plea on the Beatles song “All you need is Love”.
Caution, a real tear jerker. Recommended for a mature audience.
Buy,Download, Or Stream I am Sam! Click Here
Gunner April, 2008
Caroma 989646W Best Prices, Sales, Reviews, Compare
 |
Product: Caroma 989646W Amazon Price: Too low to display Availability: In Stock |
Compare Prices on Caroma 989646W
In Australia this is the only toilet you will ever see. It just works better than any other. Even in the half flush mode it ”usually” gets all the poop down with one flush. I currently have 2 highly rated Toto’s that I would glady trade for a Caroma. If you are in a water restricted/septic system area this will pay for itself.
I installed two Caroma dual flush toilets in my previous home and miss them! They work every time and never had any problems in the 4 years I owned them. The large water area is suprising for such a low-water toilet, and the bowl stays incredibly clean and low maintenance. The dual flush often started rather humorous conversations with fascinated guests. I am an architect, and the clean lines not only look great, but the toilet is “right height” and narrow, allowing comfort and flexibility in small spaces. I actually installed the toilets myself, as a complete novice, and found the instructions and handling to be easy for one person.
PS- For the reviewer who complained about smell, this usually has to do with the seal at the base of the toilet and a level installation- not the toilet itself. If you had a plumber install, bring them back to re-do!
This is a great water saver and actually works better than standard toilets I’m familiar with. I also got a good deal with Amazon plus free shipping.
Onkyo A9555S Best Price, Review, Compare
 |
Product: Onkyo A9555S Amazon Price: Too low to display Availability: In Stock |
Compare Prices on Onkyo A9555S
I ordered this amp on a whim as a companion for an Onkyo DX-7555 (single disc “audiophile” CD player) since they share a sophistocated remote system. I owned, and still own, a somewhat esoteric AudioLab 8000S which I consider to be sonically flawless and offering great flexibility even though it’s almost 15 years old and really didn’t expect the Onkyo to be much other than a typical import amp with a lot of bells and whistles but not outstanding performance…..big surprise. This amp is easily the sonic equal of my “British hand crafted” AudioLab, is robustly built and very, very musical. A great bargain at less than $500.
Particularly rewarding is a better than decent MM phono section allowing me to retire a separate head amp for those rare occasions when only vinyl will do. Additionally, while the unit includes bass/treble/and a subtle “loudness contour”, the additional circuitry can be bypassed for a “direct” mode which essentially provides a straight wire of gain to your speakers…very clean and powerful. With the companion CD player it’s a knockout combination and I recommend it highly.
I bought this amplifier after a very favorable review in the Nov, 06 issue of The Absolute Sound, and I’m really glad that I did. The dynamics of the sound remind me of Sonic Impact (another class D amplifier) but without the distortion, particularly in the upper frequencies. This amplifier sounds relatively warm, quite listenable and produces music effortlessly and cleanly. The silver chassis looks amazing; too bad the golden color is not available in the US, or the more powerful 9755 model. I highly recommend this amplifier.
I’ve been listening to this amp for a couple of weeks now and it is a very good amp. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars as I like it, but it isn’t great. Don’t get me wrong, it is much better than 90% of AV receivers out there, but if you’re looking for true audiophile sound, this amp won’t quite get you there, as some professional reviews may easily lead one to believe.
Good points:
-Smooth, somewhat lush “tube-like” sound that is forgiving and never bright or harsh.
-Very good midrange quality with some nice warmth that is very natural.
-Full bass.
-Nice overall build quality (except for the binding posts and other connectors).
-Simple, easy to use remote.
-Front panel controls have a high quality feel and the layout is very nice.
-The look is understated and elegant.
-Good to have a removable power cord for upgrades.
Bad points:
-The “tube-like” sound can be a litle too rolled off in the high notes. I don’t hear all the detail and decay in the highs that I’ve heard from higher end gear.
-The bass, while full and tuneful, lacks definition and leading snap.
-Dynamics are okay. I don’t get the attack and immediacy I’ve heard from other (high priced / audiophile) amps. The jump factor is toned down a little.
-The binding posts and RCA connectors work fine, but when connecting cables, they move quite a bit. I’m sure they’re fine, but they don’t exactly instill a feeling confidence that they’ll hold together over the long haul.
-A product of this caliber should have pre-out / main-in jacks or atleast a pre-out for a subwoofer.
Overall I like this amp. I’ve just been spoiled by higher-end gear. I would say that the sound is very competitive with upper mid-fi integrated amps from NAD, Rotel, and Cambridge Audio to name a few. All these product brands have their strengths and weaknesses in general. It really comes down to preference, the type of music you mostly listen to, your listening space, and synergy between your other components. In the end, this amp is really quite nice and should easily fit into most people’s criteria for good sound quality at a reasonable price.